Part 2: Pet Ordinances

Pets are beloved members of households in Layton City. However, Layton City has specific ordinances that govern the ownership and care of animals.

Here’s part two of a look at these ordinances in a Q&A format:

Can I leave my dog in my vehicle while I go into a store?

No, this is not wise and is also against Layton City’s code. Temperatures inside a vehicle can soar well above 100 degrees during the warm months of the year – even if a window is cracked open. In winter, a parked vehicle can become very cold. Leaving a pet inside a car during the spring and fall seasons starts a bad habit in motion for summer and winter.

Please leave your pet at home.

Violators could face charges of animal cruelty.

When is a dog, or other animal considered a “nuisance”?

An animal shall be deemed to be a nuisance if the animal: causes damage to the property of anyone other than its owner; causes unreasonable odors; causes unsanitary conditions; barks, whines, howls, or makes other disturbing noises for an extended period of time; chases vehicles; is an animal which has been impounded for being at large on three separate occasions within a twelve month period, or its owner or possessor has been convicted for the dog being at large on three separate occasions within a twelve month period.

If I see a dog, or dogs roaming loose, who do I contact?

If it is between 7:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. weekdays, contact Davis County Animal Services at 801-444-2200. That’s when animal control officers are on regular duty. If the dog, or dogs, are acting aggressively -- or it is outside of the above hours -- then call the Layton Police at 801-497-8300. They will contact an animal control officer on call for such emergencies.

If someone finds a stray pet, what is their responsibility?

It is unlawful for any person to harbor, or keep any lost or strayed animal. Whenever any animal shall be found which appears to be lost or strayed, it is the duty of the finder to notify the Davis County Animal Shelter within seventy-two hours. The Animal Services Director may take the animal into protective custody.

What if my pet turns up missing?

Call Animal Services at 801-444-2200 and report it. Information will be taken that will enable Animal Services to contact the owner, should the animal come to the shelter, or another person should find it.

What if someone hits a dog or cat with their vehicle?

According to Layton City’s code, it is the duty of the operator of any motor vehicle, or self-propelled vehicle to immediately notify the police, upon injuring, striking, maiming, or running down any domestic animal. In addition, it is be the duty of the operator of the motor vehicle to remain with the animal, or to obtain a responsible person to remain with the animal until professional assistance is notified.

What are the biggest pet problems in Layton?

According to Clint Thacker, director of Davis County Animal Services, too many feral cats (domestic cats in a wild state) and too many household cats running loose are the worst animal control problems in Layton City.

Thacker said cats should be kept inside and not be roaming at large. He also advises against feeding feral cats.

Another key problem is residents taking dogs to Layton City parks, where they are not legally allowed.

What about the ownership of other pets?

A dwelling may have a total of six animals or fowl customarily kept within the home, including but not limited to hamsters, guinea pigs, parakeets, canaries, etc. Said animals shall be for family use only and not raised for commercial purposes.

What is the penalty for any violations of Layton City’s pet ordinances?

Any person violating any provision of Layton’s ordinance shall be deemed guilty of a class B misdemeanor and shall be punished within the confines of that class as prescribed by State law. If any violation be continued, each day's violation is deemed a separate offense.